Kent State vs. Ball State Odds, Prediction: Best Bets for Tonight’s CFB Game

Kent State and Ball State collide in the second game of a MAC doubleheader tonight. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

The Kent State Golden Flashes (3-5 SU, 4-4 ATS) had the conference’s worst defense, allowing 36.5 points per game, prior to yesterday’s MAC games. The host Ball State Cardinals (3-5 SU, 5-3 ATS) are coming off a disappointing 21-7 loss to NIU.

Both of these teams are 2-2 in MAC play. DraftKings is dealing Ball State as a 3-point favorite at home with a total of 47.5. On the spread, 73% of the handle and 75% of tickets are on Ball State at DraftKings.

Kent State vs. Ball State Best Bet: Against the Spread

Ball State -3 (-105 at DraftKings)

Ball State’s offense averages 133.3 passing yards per game. Fun fact: Only three teams in America pass for fewer yards (NIU, Rice, and Army).

Quarterback Kiael Kelly (417 rushing yards, five TDs) and running back Qua Ashley (513 rushing yards and four TDs) do most of their work on the ground. Ball State’s recipe for success is using the run to win time of possession.

On defense, Nathan Voorhis has 10 sacks, which ranks him second in all of FBS. Only Texas Tech’s David Bailey has more at 11.5. Ball State’s defensive end can be a game wrecker tonight.

Expect Voorhis to pressure Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields, who’s been sacked 11 times on the season. DeShields has thrown 11 TDs with just two interceptions on the year. Cade Wolford is a major contributor in the aerial attack with team highs in receiving yards (395) and TD catches (six).

In the final analysis, we like Voorhis and Ball State’s defense to help the Cardinals win and cover in a lower-scoring affair.

Best Player Prop for Ball State Cardinals

QB Kiael Kelly OVER 59.5 Rushing Yards (-114 at FanDuel)

Ball State’s quarterback is coming off an 86-yard rushing game against NIU. Kelly carried the ball an eye-popping 27 times. As mentioned, Ball State’s formula for success involves Kelly and Ashley controlling the game on the ground.

The volume of carries will be there for Kelly tonight. He averages 17.6 carries per game. Kelly also has a 101-yard rushing game on his resume earlier this season against UNH.

Best Player Prop for Ball State Cardinals

RB Cade Wolford ATTD Scorer (+160 at FanDuel)

Wolford, listed as a RB, is a non-factor in the running game with 20 yards on just six carries this year. The running back turned slot receiver is making his presence felt in the passing game, though.

Wolford has a penchant for making long TD catches. Most recently, he scored on a 75-yard bomb against Kent State. He opened the season with a 75-yard TD catch in a win over Merrimack.

Wolford has six TDs on the season. He’s found the end zone in five of seven games. This is a juicy price for a scoring threat of his caliber.